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There are few ecosystems today that are free from fragmentation and disturbance, a result of increased human development. More than 40 percent of Rhode Island’s native ecosystems are mowed or paved. Within many of the remaining intact green spaces, non-native species thrive.

It took a big hit to a municipal bank account, not another kick to a woman’s head, for society to finally acknowledge a dangerous problem. If Thurman hadn’t filed a lawsuit and no TV movie was ever made, the issue of domestic violence today would likely be even further behind the times.

How would you like to be part of an investment that benefits you, and the economy? You can help to protect Rhode Island’s open spaces and farmland, create world-class parks and bikeways, prevent stormwater pollution of water resources, and clean up polluted properties for safe and prosperous development. Oh, and on top of that, there are partners who will add to the investment and deliver even more bang for the buck.

PROVIDENCE — The solution to this complex societal issue doesn’t lie with increasing police presence, outlawing panhandling and keeping the less fortunate out of Kennedy Plaza. In fact, laws and policies designed to criminalize and demean poverty and homelessness only perpetuate the real problem: a growing chasm between the rich and poor that is slowly ripping society apart.

Last year, T.F. Green Airport set a record for the number of days over the 80 degrees Farheneit heat index mark since data began to be consistently kept in 1948. So far this year, we’ve had 75 days with a heat index more than 80 degrees, a stunning figure for New England.

JOHNSTON, R.I. — They spent the over-the-top groundbreaking fawning all over each other, as if they were announcing that Rhode Island’s public schools would all be adequately funded, childhood hunger had been eliminated and every Rhode Islander had a place to live.

PROVIDENCE — Mayor Jorge Elorza bikes to work often, and takes part in frequent night rides with community members. By all accounts, the mayor is supportive of bicycling. However, the city has made next to no progress on bike infrastructure during the two years the mayor has been in office. This needs to change.